How to Become a Web Developer

Working as a web developer requires managing a variety of different responsibilities to ensure the clients' needs are met and the websites meet their standards. Some of the most common responsibilities for this role include:

• Designing and building websites from the ground up.
• Ensuring websites look good and function correctly when they're accessed by users.
• Work closely with web designers to create functional and attractive pages.
• Maintain, scale, and expand the website as changes are needed over time.
• Utilize emerging technologies and become familiar with different types of software to enhance the efficiency of the website.
• Create new software documentation and maintain it over time.
• Integrate necessary changes to the website without causing updates to affect the functionality or operation of the pages.
• Incorporate data from multiple back-end systems, depending on the specific technical needs.
• Monitor website traffic on a continuous basis and find ways to attract new users.
• Collaborate with other project managers to enhance the functionality and design of the website.
• Present design specs.
• Updating old features or applications to enhance the appearance and professionalism of the website.
• Work within predetermined budgets while working closely with project managers.
• Create prototypes of the websites to present to clients.

Web developers use multiple programs and tools to fulfill their responsibilities, including WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Experience Manager, Sketch, TYPO3, Joomla!, Foundation, Chrome DevTools, InVision Cloud, and Sublime Text. There are also multiple programming languages you utilize, including JavaScript, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). These software programs allow web developers to test and debug the websites and applications. When web developers are selecting the right tools that you'll use, you consider the functionality of the software and what it can help them achieve.

You also must consider how easy it is to use, the security, portability, cost, and scalability. Additional tools you may use include Web.com, Sass, Grunt, JQuery, Bootstrap, CodePen, and NMP. Many of these programs are useful for small or large businesses for added versatility. If you're starting out in your career as a web developer, the main tools to use include FileOptimizer for PCs or ImageOptim for Macs for optimizing images. GitHub also makes it possible to track codes and create, allowing the user to avoid losing work. Visual Studio Code is useful for editing the code you write and is considered one of the top programs in the industry.

Web developers commonly work in office environments where you're employed. If self-employed, you work remotely or in an office setting while managing multiple web-based projects. While working for both small and large companies, you can also do freelance work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in seven web developer professionals works freelance, which is considered fairly high when compared to other types of industries. This allows freelance web developers to have flexible work schedules and earn higher salaries compared to professionals who earn salaries through a small or large company.

Web developers work closely with web designers and software developers while building the website when it's in the beginning stages. The web designer will continue to communicate their vision for the website and expect you to execute their ideas to ensure the designs are functional and don't affect the usability of each page. You’ll also work closely with the client or company to ensure the website is meeting their expectations and reflects the brand. Web developers work closely with other teams that consist of additional web developers, IT professionals, web designers, and software developers and software engineers. Project managers are also colleagues and will help you to track the budget and ensure you're on track with the scope of the project. IT managers are a close contact, specifically when technical issues occasionally arise with the website.

Web developers often work the normal business hours of the company you're employed by, especially when you work in an office setting at the company or organization. Expect to work an average of nine hours a day, five days a week. It's fairly common to work a few hours of overtime and reach an average of 45 hours a week. If you are self-employed or are a freelance web developer, you'll create your own hours, which may involve working on the weekends or in the evenings. It's common to work several days without taking a day off if you have deadlines and are working on specific projects that are time-sensitive.

As a leading job agency, Spherion is an established leader that has a great reputation for connecting all types of professionals to the right jobs in various industries. The experienced team at Spherion is skilled in helping web developers obtain the right networking opportunities to make it easier to find a reputable and established company. If you're looking to work in a large company or from home, the team members at Spherion can assist you with finding the right position. Additional benefits of working with Spherion include:

• Receiving your pay on a weekly basis
• Flexible scheduling options
• Access to different training opportunities to develop your skills as a web developer
• A personal contact who will assist you in finding new web developer job opportunities in various industries
• Access to a variety of different web developer jobs in your local area
• An easy and quick interview process

If you want to work as a web developer, you're required to earn your associate's or bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, information services, or a related field. These fields equip web developers with skills that include web design, problem-solving, and communication. There are many online programs that are also available for those who prefer to work at their own pace while earning credits.

Computer science degrees are ideal to pursue if you're considering working in other positions outside of web development. They also have easier courses than web development courses. Studying web development makes it easier to stand out amongst other professionals and become more qualified for web developer positions when you're looking to be hired after graduating.

Most corporations require at least an associate's degree to be considered for a position. Larger corporations require a bachelor's degree, which is required if you want to advance in your career. You may need to obtain certifications or enroll in training programs that strengthen your skillset. Most employers want you to have experience working as a web developer, making it necessary to obtain an internship when you're starting out in your career.

It's also important to have a well-rounded portfolio that showcases your work and qualifications. Having experience working with multiple web languages and frameworks is a plus.

Web developers are skilled in creating appealing websites that will be functional for visitors. Maintaining the performance and capacity of the website is another key responsibility while working as a web developer.

Working as a web developer requires having a combination of both soft and hard skills. Professionals in this role must be creative and have both technical and strong numeracy skills. They’ll also have a high level of computer literacy and the ability to solve problems while maintaining a website to ensure it continues to operate. 

On a daily basis, web developers build websites in different languages, which include JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. You work on the layouts of each website and create the content that is on each page to ensure it's visible and easy for users to find. Web developer professionals are also responsible for maintaining multiple websites and solving any problems that arise at times. At times, you'll occasionally modify and update the websites to ensure it meets the requests and expectations of various clients.

The average salary of web developers varies and depends on their level of experience, industry, and if you're self-employed or work at a large corporation. The average pay is $39 per hour or $81,320 per year. The level of education and the skill set of the professional influence the overall pay range. The location of the corporation is another factor that determines how much web developers can earn, specifically if you work in a larger city.

Applying for a job as a web developer is easy with Spherion. You can search for web developer jobs on Spherion.com by job title and location. If you don’t see the perfect role, you can submit an open application. Once you submit your resume through Spherion’s open application, a recruiter from the office closest to you will reach out with details about potential web developer roles that fit your skill set and professional goals.